Newly rebuilt 7-Eleven near Woodlawn to open soon

The newly rebuilt 7-Eleven service station with a quick-food store and fuel pumps, located across from Engleside Plaza shopping center, has a target opening date of Friday, July 7, according to company representatives.

Built on three parcels of land once occupied by a Denny’s and a smaller 7-Eleven store, the redeveloped property at Richmond Highway and Lukens Lane includes a 4,500 square-foot brick building and a fuel canopy with six gas pumps. Infrastructure has been put in place for an electric vehicle charging station serving two parking spaces, though the charging equipment itself hasn’t been installed yet.  

The new 7-Eleven - partially visible in the background during its construction in early 2022 - was built just north of the old convenience store, which eventually was demolished.

Back in 2019 when 7-Eleven was securing county approvals for redeveloping the site, the project was considered a big deal. It was the first major development to be approved following the implementation of Fairfax County’s Embark Richmond Highway initiative, which envisioned a multimodal Richmond Highway Corridor. As such, the developer had to adhere to the Embark Plan’s recommendations, including factoring in the future Richmond Highway widening for site access and traffic circulation, using native plantings where possible and employing certain design guidelines and building materials for street appeal.

Additionally, in response to requests from the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens’ Associations, 7-Eleven worked with the Fairfax County Planning Commission to revise some of its proposed development conditions to be more environmentally conscious. Specifically, the developer agreed to employ green building practices, install the electric vehicle charging station infrastructure, remove litter daily from the site, and underground all utilities.

Front view of the 7-Eleven site from Richmond Highway - note the absence of overhead wires.

Looking at the redeveloped site today, the absence of overhead wires is readily apparent, as is the new 7-foot brick wall separating the property from the Terrace Towne Homes of Woodlawn behind it. The wall replaced a dilapidated fence and is designed to blend in with the convenience store and neighboring properties.

New brick wall separating the commercial property from the townhomes behind it

Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, who made the motion to approve the redevelopment plans during a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting back in July 2019, is pleased with the outcome.

“I welcome this new 7-Eleven store along the Richmond Highway Corridor and the influence of our Richmond Highway Urban Design Guidelines to help create a better designed, modern building,” said Storck. “This building is the first of many Woodlawn area property revitalizations and modernizations, and one of a dozen that have been occurring recently along Richmond Highway, with many more coming as we build our 21st century corridor and community.”

Once the new 7-Eleven opens at 8629 Richmond Highway, it will be operational 24/7, including holidays. Information on a ribbon-cutting event is forthcoming, according to Storck’s office.